The head of Victoria's peak sports body says working with children checks are not the only solution to prevent child abuse at clubs.

The chief executive officer of VicSport, Mark McAllion, has given evidence at the Victorian Parliamentary inquiry into child abuse.

The inquiry is hearing from a number of overarching bodies, including cultural groups, to gain an understanding of how they prevent and respond to abuse within their sector.

Victoria's Commissioner for Children and Young People, Bernie Geary, told the inquiry last week that working with children checks should be made mandatory at sporting clubs, to prevent paedophiles gaining access to children.

There is currently an exemption that allows volunteers to contribute to a sports or community club without a check.

Mr Geary called on the Victorian Government to amend the relevant legislation to close the loophole.

But Mr McAllion told the inquiry, although important, checks are only part of the problem.

"My understanding is that a lot of people that do engage in inappropriate behaviour may not have a criminal record, so there's that challenge that a working with children check is not the answer," he said.

"I think sport knows that it's not the only answer, and only part of the solution."

Mr McAllion said instances of abuse were usually dealt with by the individual club involved, and VicSport was rarely made aware of them.

He said the most vital measure needed to stop child abuse at sports clubs was education.

"I think it's clubs actually understanding the total issue and being vigilant in making sure that volunteers within their structures are working appropriately," he said.

"And the environment is one that parents understand what appropriate behaviour is, the kids understand what appropriate behaviour is by officials, and the whole environment understands and is supportive of promoting the right message," he said.

The president of Victoria's Federation of Indian Associations, Vasan Srinivasan, has also given evidence.

The federation oversees more than 50 Indian community organisations across the state.

Mr Srinivasan told the inquiry, the federation works closely with police and the courts to respond to cases of domestic violence.

But he said child abuse is usually viewed as a sub-issue stemming from family disputes, and not always dealt with as a stand-alone problem through the legal process.

Mr Srinivisan said there was a spike in domestic violence cases during the international student boom in Victoria, between 2005 and 2009.

He said most reports of abuse came to the federation through religious organisations, such as temples, and there was a need for the Federation to do more to better educate its members about child abuse and the need to report it.